Four multinational agencies and a local shop are believed to be in the
shootout for what has been described as a "mid-sized account
in the US$5 million range.
Sources said BBDO, J. Walter Thompson, FCB, Publicis and media incumbent China Sun TV are involved in the review, which has been split into two parts.
In the first part of the pitch, agencies have been asked to complete a
lengthy questionnaire, which covers "everything about an agency", said
sources. Questions were asked about the agency's financial situation,
biography of key personnel, management structure and approach to
business.
"The goal is clearly one of objectivity and transparency,
an agency source said. From the questionnaire submissions, agencies will be shortlisted for the second stage of the pitch.
The US car manufacturer's US$98 million joint-venture with state-owned Chang'an Automobile Group will produce sedans in the $12,000 range. Car manufacturers are facing an escalating price war in China after the country slashed tariffs on foreign imports late last year to meet WTO committments.
